2016 Journalism

Ryan Stevens

, the director of public relations for the Indiana Fever, was named the first-ever winner of the PBWA's Val Ackerman Award, which honors an WNBA media-relations official who best exemplifies the standards of professionalism and excellence.

Stevens is always quick to respond to questions from media members, proactive in finding ways to provide access and collaborate, and friendly and professional at all times with members. As the Fever have continued to improve, Stevens has made it easy to cover their rise.

"I am incredibly honored to receive the inaugural Val Ackerman Award from the Professional Basketball Writers Association," Stevens said. "This recognition is a testament to the collective effort and support from the Indiana Fever staff and players, all of whom I am grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside. Thank you to the PBWA members for the continuous efforts to increase women's basketball coverage and amplify our organization's stories and experiences."

The award was one of three created recently to honor WNBA figures who go above and beyond to work wiht the media who cover the league.

The PBWA, formed in 1973, is composed of more than 200 professional writers and editors who cover the NBA and WNBA on a regular basis for newspapers, online outlets and magazines.

Note Posted: January 23, 2024